Question:
What are my rights with a fitness gym membership?(long)
— KimBo36 (posted on October 4, 2003)
October 4, 2003
Kimberly: Were there any witnesses to any of the verbal agreements? Those
are legally binding as long as the written agreements aren't opposed to
what was promised verbally. However, anything told you that wasn't
witnessed is just your word against his. Maybe you might be more
believable in a small claims case though. I wouldn't just accept that you
are stuck with a 2 year memebership that isn't what was promised without at
least a fight. Any contract has a three day period where you can recind
it, but it sounds like you're way passed the three day cooling off period.
Maybe you can make a case that the three business days didn't start until
you got confirmation that you weren't going to get what was promised? Like
I said it's worth trying to get your money back at least. Too bad he
cashed the check. It would have been better to put a stop payment on it.
Then he'd have to sue you. Hope you get it worked out. There's a chance
he might just give you back the money if you make a big enough stink. Like
threaten to sit outside the gym with a sign saying unfair business
practices or something? Good luck. Sherry
— sherry hedgecock
October 4, 2003
If it was within the first 72 hours you could cancel without a reason - but
since it has been longer you may have to push to get your refund. It may
come to small claims court to get your money back - or is there a national
office for them or are they franchizes (then you are stuck!) Good luck!
— bethybb
October 4, 2003
We had a patient come into our office who had a similar problem with a gym.
He just didn't think he would be getting the benefits that he was seeking
there. We issued a letter stating that for health reasons he would not be
able to continue at the gym. Hence he was released and money was returned.
See if your doctor would do the same for you. If not then I would speak to
the manager or owner of the gym. Tell them that you will be writing a
letter to the local paper to inform others of the fraudulent nature to
which they were signing people up.
— Sue A.
October 4, 2003
One option you may consider is contacting the Better Business Bureau in
your area. If you feel that they were intentionally misrepresenting
themselves then they will have to give a response. I have used them on
several occassions with companies I was unsatisfied with and have had my
money returned to me in full. Not saying it always will work but It never
looks good for them to have negative reports and they usually try and
handle them.
— firelace
October 5, 2003
Hi folks, I knew you'd give me great advice. I will definately contact the
owner first to see if we can work this out. If not my first step will be to
contact the better business bureau and a few other consumer advocacy groups
I'm aware of. If I'm forced to keep my membership I will be certain to let
everyone I can know just how unpleased I am with Gold's Gym. Small claims
Court is always a very possible direction to go. Thanks again! -Kim
— KimBo36
October 5, 2003
Definately report them to the BBB. Make sure all of your contacts with
them are in writing - that way you will have a paper trail should you
decide to go to court. If you have an answering machine, most are able to
record conversations so when they call (or if) tell them before you begin
the conversation that it is being recorded, say it several times and ask if
they understand and agree to be recorded - some will, some won't but it is
for your protection and proof - then keep the tapes for future litigation.
If you are not able to tape it, have your husband get on the extension,
tell them he's on and then write everything down. Make them speak slowly
and repeat key points - tell them you are trying to write it down so you
understand their position. Don't let them off the phone until they have
answered your questions. Read back their responses and ask them if it is
correct. Record the date and time. I have found that most businesses, when
informed that you are going to take legal steps or file complaints, will
then try to make you happy. I have also found that when I tell them I am
going to also seek help from the local TV and radio stations - most have a
consumer help program - companies become VERY helpful. They don't want to
be a "story" on the local newscast. In one instance, I also
included the fact that I was contmplating beginning a "letter
writing" process via e-mail, letting EVERYONE I knew about my
difficuties with them, and asking my friends/family/associates to FORWARD
the letter to as many people as possible. My problem was solved within 2
hours of the threat of a "letter writing" e-mail campaign. ALWAYS
be very nice, polite, matter of fact attitude, write everything down-dates,
names, times and have a witness or tape if it is in person or on the phone.
A letter from your physician as one other poster suggested is also a great
idea. Good luck and take care. HUGS, HUGS and more HUGS!
— Deborah F.
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